HEMATURIA
What causes Hematuria?
Several conditions can cause hematuria. Most of the causes are not serious. For example, exercise may cause hematuria that goes away in 24 hours. Many people have hematuria without any other related problems. Often no specific cause can be found. But because hematuria may be the result of a tumor or other serious problem, a doctor should be consulted.
How is Hematuria diagnosed?
In order to find the cause of hematuria, or to rule out certain causes, the doctor may order a series of tests, including:
- Urinalysis - The examination of urine for various cells and chemicals. In addition to finding RBCs, the doctor may find white blood cells that signal a urinary tract infection or casts (groups of cells molded together in the shape of the kidneys' tiny filtering tubes) that signal kidney disease. Excessive protein in the urine also signals poor kidney function.
- Blood Test - This may reveal kidney disease if the blood contains high levels of wastes that the kidneys are supposed to remove.
- Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP) - An x ray of the urinary tract. An IVP may reveal a tumor, a kidney or bladder stone, an enlarged prostate, or other blockage to the normal flow of urine.
- Cystoscope - This can be used to take pictures of the inside of the bladder. It has a tiny camera at the end of a thin tube, which is inserted through the urethra. A cystoscope may provide a better view of a tumor or bladder stone than can be seen in an IVP.
What is the treatment for Hematuria ?
Treatment for hematuria depends on the cause. If no serious condition is causing the hematuria, no treatment is necessary.
